The dog training training methods that we use do not include coercion, aversives, or any type of equipment designed to cause discomfort or pain. Correction, including lead jerks, water sprays, or noise designed to startle is not conducive to positive dog training methods.
Whilst corrective dog training methods may appear to work quickly, these methods are known to be detrimental to the dog's general welfare, and often cause behavioural problems in the long term. Quick fixes are rarely permanent fixes.
Dog training is scientifically based, using operant (B.F. Skinner) and classical (Ivan Pavolov) conditioning techniques. It is known that dogs are likely to repeat behaviour that is rewarding to them and this is the basis for training. Punishment is never used. Dogs do not understand the concept of punishment and dogs that are punished become fearful of the punisher and may even associate punishment with anything in the environment at the time of punishment, which could include other dogs or even children, for example.
We also teach good management techniques. Management can include "containment" as in the use of crates, Gentle Leader headcollars, and for example, safety gates placed in doorways. Even the use of a lead in certain situations other than simply walking the dog, can be described as "management". It is much fairer to a dog if you "contain" behaviour, rather than punish him for unwanted behaviour. Prevent and contain unwanted behaviour. Dogs cannot learn new behaviour if they are allowed to continually pracise behaviour that is undesirable.
We do not advocate the use of so-called "pack leader" or "dominance theory". There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that dogs can be dominant over people. Many trainers take the view that a dog who rushes through doors before the owner, or who refuse to move off an armchair or the bed, for example, are "dominant". In reality, dogs do what comes naturally, and what is beneficial for them. Beds and armchairs are comfortable, doors lead to the exciting outdoors!
Your dog can be taught not to share your furniture, or you can allow him to - it's a personal choice. However, you can teach your dog to get off the bed, or out of the chair when you want him to. It's that simple!
And by the way, you can feed your dog, before you eat your own meal! Making your dog watch you eat, and feeding him last, will have no bearing on his behaviour.
"Charismatic dog trainers on television borrow phrases such as "dominance theory" to justify terrorizing someone's yappy Yorkie into never barking again. As the cowed dog's expression of bewilderment turns rapidly into misery or even terror, its owners, the audience, and the TV producers who created the show unquestioningly accept the trainer's methods and explanations. And when some once-overly bouncy dog is now hiding under the furniture with its tail between its legs, that's seen as an improvement. Clicker trainers can't bear to watch."
Beverley Cuddy, editor of Dogs Today magazine recalls an encounter with the late Barbara Woodhouse,who the only dog trainer on primetime television at that time. Barbara demonstrated her trademark "stomp and jerk" where the links on the choke chain snapped shut on Beverley's dog's neck, thus traumatising the dog as was usual in those days. Beverley goes on to say:
"I had hoped the fashion for bullying your dog had been buried at the same time as the late Mrs. Woodhouse, but it seems the newest breed of TV trainer, Cesar Millan, has been shown using alpha arolls, check chains, and even electric shock collars. And that has led to lots of copycat trainers offering long-outdated, inhumane and discredited techniques. I am delighted to announce that there is now a campaign that encourages owners to "Ask why?" and to "Say no!" if they don't approve of their trainer's methods."
Reprinted with permission
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Debbie Berriman - Professional
Dog Trainer and Behaviourist in Filey and Scarborough area, North
Yorkshire
